Evidence supporting the use of: Spirulina
For the health condition: Free Radical Damage
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Spirulina, a blue-green algae, is commonly used as a dietary supplement and is recognized for its high nutrient content and antioxidant properties. Scientific research supports its use for combating free radical damage, which is linked to oxidative stress and various chronic diseases. Several in vitro and animal studies have shown that spirulina contains potent antioxidants such as phycocyanin, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and various phenolic compounds. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative injury in cells.
Clinical studies in humans, while more limited, have also indicated potential benefits. For example, some small-scale trials have demonstrated that spirulina supplementation can increase the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as reduce markers of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. Its antioxidant effects are thought to contribute to improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and protection against cellular damage.
While more large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are needed to definitively establish the efficacy of spirulina against free radical damage in humans, the existing body of experimental and preliminary clinical evidence provides moderate scientific justification for its use in this context. Therefore, spirulina is scientifically validated, with a moderate (3/5) rating for evidence supporting its role in protecting against free radical damage.
Other ingredients used for Free Radical Damage
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)acai berry
acetyl l-carnitine
alpha-carotene
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
amino acids
anthocyanins
apricot
ascorbyl palmitate
astaxanthin
astragalus
basil
berry flavor
beta-carotene
beta-tocopherol
bilberry
black currant
black garlic
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
broccoli
brussel sprouts
caffeine
camu camu
catalase
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
cauliflower
chokeberry
chrysin
coconut milk
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cryptoxanthin
turmeric
delta-tocopherol
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish protein
flavonols
fruit blend (proprietary)
ginseng
grape
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
guarana
hesperetin
hesperidin
HMR lignan
l-carnosine
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-glycine
lentinula edodes mycelia
lutein
matcha
melatonin
mixed carotenoids
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nicotinamide riboside
omega-3 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
phenolic acids
phospholipids
pine bark
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
raspberry
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
selenium
spirulina
strawberry
ubiquinol
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin E
whey protein
zinc
papaya
bee pollen
lingzhi
ferulic acid
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
polyphenols
fulvic acid
wheat germ
goji berry
algae
cocoa
1,2-di-galloyl-4,6hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
3-Isomangostin
5,7-Dimethoxyflavone
7,4-Dimethoxyflavone
Amethoflavone
Ankaflavin
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Auricularia
Autumn Olive
Antirrhinin
Avocado
Amentoflavone
Acacetin
Allophycocyanin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Ascorbigen
Astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Acer Truncatum bunge
anthocyanosides
Argan nut oil
Apocarotenal
Apocynin
Arctiin
Arjunolic acid
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bok Choy
Baccosides
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Benfotiamine
Basidiomycota
Betanin
berry
Brazil nut
boysenberry
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
Bioflavonoids
bacoside
Baicalin
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Carnosine
Chebulic acid
Cashew
Cichoric acid
Chocolate
Capsorubin
Carnosol
Cupric ascorbate
C-Phycocyanin
Carotene (unspecified)
Chebulinic acid
Crocetin
Canthaxanthin
Crypthecodinium
Capsanthin
Carnosic acid
Dunaliella salina
Dismutase
Delphinidin
Dunaliella
Dehydroascorbic acid
Dumontiaceae
Desoxyrhaponticin
Dragon Fruit
Dibenzo-alpha pyrones
Dihydrolipoic Acid
Diosmetin
epicatechin
Ellagic Acid
Ergothioneine
Emblicanin
Erythorbic acid
Ethylgallate
Eriodictyol
Ecklonia
Flavonones
walnut
Other health conditions supported by spirulina
AnemiaArthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemical Poisoning
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colitis
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Debility
Depression
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Environmental Pollution
Exercise
Failure to Thrive
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Lead Poisoning
Liver Detoxification
Measles
Memory and Brain Function
Mercury Poisoning
Metabolic Syndrome
Multiple Sclerosis
Oral Surgery
Parkinson's Disease
Psoriasis
Radiation Sickness
Triglycerides (high)
Tuberculosis
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
Products containing spirulina
Designs For Health
EssentiaGreens™
Klean Athlete
Klean Multivitamin ™
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Designs For Health
PaleoGreens®
Designs For Health
PaleoGreens®
Metagenics
PhytoGanix® Tropical Fruit
Vitabase
Spirulina
Vitabase
Super Fat Burner
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive® X
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Protein Green